Surveying rod



Ocft., 275.1936. s. N. KuLlcHKov' SURVEYING ROD vFiled Aug, 26, 1935 Patented Oct. 27, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE l Claims.

(Granted under the act of March 3, 1883, as

amended April 30, 1928; 370` O. G, 757) This application is made under the act of March 3, 1883J as Vamended by the act of April 30, 1928, and `the invention herein described and claimed may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes .without the payment to `me of anyroyalty thereon.

My invention relates to surveyors rods and has particular reference tc rods adapted to plane and topographic surveys.

The object of `my invention is to provide a surveyors rod which cangbe used for the following purposes:-

(a) As a range pole for `traverses with compass or transit. A

(b) As a level rod.

(c) As a stadia rod.

(d) For determination of thebearing of a point which is invisible to the` instrument because of intervening obstacles, such as tree trunks and rocks.

(e) For the purpose of establishing on a given beaijinga point,4the location of which is invisible because of intervening obstacles, such as tree trunks or rocks, thus avoiding time-consuming processes such as offsetting or running random lines.

For these `purposes I` providey an extensible rod with bright, movable faces vat or near its ends. These'vfaces ca n be observed through the sights oi? a standard U.1S. Forest vService compass, or U. S, Forest Service Abney hand level, `or similar instruments, withoutthe necessity oi using telescopic far-asimilar'V magnifying instruments. An ordinaryl transit can also be used Withmy rod.

By referring to thedrawing, it will be seen that Figure 1 is a perspective View of' my rod;

Figure `2 is a perspectiveview showing `opposite side of Figure 1;

`Figure 3 is a perspective view of Vthe shoe;

`Figure 4 is a detailed' perspective View of the mirror; i

Figure 5 is a similar view showing attachment to rod;

Figure 6 is a detailed plan view of clamp and mirror; and

` Figure l is a diagrammatic view showing how my device is operated.

Similar numerals refer Vto throughout the `several views.

rod consists of two bars l and 2 (Fig. l). Each bar is substantially 1%. inch thick and substantially 1 1/2 inches wide provided with yokes. 3 (Fig. 1) so that one bar can slide lengthwise behindthe other.'4 The 'totalllength ofthe rod when 55 .fully entende@ e'l/g fetbetween end marks.

similar parts A metal shoe (Fig. 3) may be tted over the lower end of the rod for inserting it into the ground when the rod is `used as a range pole. To provide VVbetter visibility for this purpose, each foot of the rod is therefore painted alternately 5 red and white.

The front face of the lower bar 2 (Fig. 1) is divided by burned graduations into two equal portions, each 2 feet long, the graduations being marked 1 and 2, respectively, from the lower to the upper end of Ythe lower bar. On the front face of the upper bar the 2-foot divisions are numberedv in the opposite direction, the gure 3 being 2 feet below the upper end of the upper bar asshown by `l (Fig. 1). Each 2-foot division is further subdivided into ten equal parts, each of which is further divided into two equal' parts. The larger figures marking the 2-foot divisions are circled with different colored paints than the smaller iigures, or burned rings for ease in reading the rod. These graduations on the front face of the rod are for the purpose of determining one-half the total length of the rod in feet and tenths for any position of its extension. The reading is taken on the upper bar of the rod against the upper end of the lower bar.

The left edge of the rod hassimilar divisions, similarly marked,` but only one-half as long, there being 71/2 major divisions each of substantially one foot in lengthand marked 1, 2, 3 and 4 on the lower bar, and 5, 6, 7, and '7.5 on the upper bar, Vbut with this numeration being consecutive from the lower end of the lower bar to the upper end of the upper bar l and 2 (Fig. 2). These graduations, asl explainedlater, are used in Vconnection with the readings made on the front face of the rod andmay also be used for stadia or leveling measurements.

The reverse face of the rod I (Fig. 2) has especially calculated divisions for making stadia measurements of distance in chains by means of the standard U. S. Forest Service Abney hand level whenthe rod is extended to its full length.

On this face of the rod and on the side opposite the graduations for reading distances by Abney level are certain auxiliary graduations which are designed for setting the movable face (or mirror) when horizontal distances must bedetermined onsteep slopes. These graduations appear only opposite the 1 chain, 1.515 chain (100 ft.) andr2 chain graduations. Graduations of these auxiliaryr scales are numbered corresponding to the readings on the topographic arc of the Abney` level;` If necessary such graduations can also be calculated for slope readings in per cent or degrees for use with the Forest Service Abney or similar instruments.

To determine on slopes the horizontal measurement of l chain, 100 feet or 2 chains, it is only necessary to determine the amount of slope by topographic Abney or simil-ar instruments, set the movable mirror to the corresponding correction on the auxiliary scale and move the sighting instrument back until the new distance be v tween mirrors is intersected by the aperture of the sighting instrument.

This arrangement permits the establishment of points on a slope such th-at the horizontal distance between them is l chain, 100 feet or 2 chains. Such points are desired in measuring the heights of trees with the Abney level and when traverses in equal horizontal distances are carried -along slopes.

The right edge of the rod (Fig. 1) is graduated for the stadia measurement of distance with the aid of the U. S. Forest Service Standard compass. These graduations may also be calculated for use with similar instruments of different aperture widths and sighting radii.

Rustless steel mirrors 4 (Fig. l) are attached to the rod at an angle of about 45 degrees so as to reflect light rays to the observer using transit, compass or Abney level. The mirrors are attached to clamps 5 (Fig. 6) which x the mirrors on the rod. The depth of the clamps being 1.5 inches or twice the thickness of the bar allows the faces of the mirrors to be placed parallel to the face of the rod, or at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to it. The first or parallel position of the mirrors is used when the rod is held horizontally. Reilection of the light in this position is accomplished by rotating the rod slightly on its longitudinal axis. The 45 degree angle position of the mirrors is used when the rod is held in a vertical position.

Electric ash light bulbs 6 (Fig. 4) in suitable reectors with openings I (Fig. 4) can be placed in ends of the mirrors 4 (Figs. 4 and 5) when the work is done in semi-darkness caused by combination of heavy shade and cloudy weather. When necessary the rodman makes cont-act with the ordinary flashlight battery which he carries along.

The mirrors 4 are made preferably of rustless steel in the shape of narrow strips, their length being about 3 times their width. Widths of the mirrors 4 should be approximately equal to the Width of the rod. Each mirror 4 has a hole in its center to take a threaded stud from the clamp 5 (Fig. 6). A wing nut turning on this stud tightens the mirror and holds it on the clamp. This arrangement is needed for folding the mirrors with their long axes parallel to the rod when the latter is being carried through dense growth which might catch on the mirrors. The cl-amps are provided with spring clips 8 (Fig. 6) which have holes for thumb screws 9 (Fig. 6). The clips are resilient and provide suicient friction to retain the clamps or yokes 5 (Fig. 6) in any position on the rod. An extension IU (Fig. 6) on one end of the clamp 5 (Fig. 6) holds the mirrors in place on the rod and prevents them from sliding off. This also allows the mirrors to be set at a 45 degree angle to the rod for the purpose of reflecting light. If necessary, especially when the mirrors are set on the ends of the rod, the clamps may be securely tightened by fastening the thumb screws.

For vertical positions of the rods I and 2,

especially when in use for determining distances with Abney level or compass, the mirrors 4 are set at -an angle as shown in Fig. 1.

The graduations marked on the rod for determining distances with Abney level or Forest Service compass were calculated for direct readings of distance when the reading on the rod is taken through one-half the -aperture of these instruments. In the case of the Abney level the direct reading for distance is taken preferably between the metal cross hair and the upper edge of the aperture of the level. Similarly with the compass the reading is taken between the cross hair and the upper edge of the aperture when the compass face is held in a vertical position. In reading distances with these instruments one mirror is set at the 0 graduation which for both Abney and compass scales is at the upper end of the rod. The lower mirror is moved up and down by the rodman until its position on the rod is intersected by the line of sight through the cross hair when the line of sight through the upper edge of the aperture intersects the upper mirror. By this process maximum distances and clearness of vision may be obtained. The readings of distance are taken by the rodman against the upper edge of the lower or movable mirror.

In stadia surveys with transit or other telescopic instruments with xed stadia hairs of a ratio 1:100 the direct foot scale on the left edge of the rods I and 2 (Fig. 2) m-ay be used as an ordinary stadia rod. The lower mirror 4 is set at any visible even foot-mark, and the upper mirror 4 is adjusted until the upper edges of both mirrors can be seen between the stadia hairs. Then the distance between the instrument and rod will be in feet as a result of multiplying by the length of the rod between the mirrors.

One of the greatest advantages of my rod results from its use in establishing a point on a given bearing when this point is invisible from the instrument due to an intervening obstacle I3 (Fig. 7), such as a tree trunk.

The simplest of such cases occurs when the line of .sight is intercepted by a tree trunk but when both ends of the rod can be seen from the instrument when the rod is held horizontally behind the obstacle (Fig. '7). Under these conditions the rod is held horizontally with its left edge uppermost at such a point as A (Fig. '7), with the mirrors 4 fastened at the ends of the rod. The bars of the rod are then drawn together, bringing the mirrors 4 toward each other until their outside edges are intercepted by the lines of sight through the edges of the aperture I2 (Fig. 7). In this case the full aperture is used. When the proper extension of the rod is reached a reading is made on the front face of the rod, the reading being taken on the upper bar I (Fig. l) against the upper end of the lower bar 2 (Fig. l). Due to the nature of the graduations' on the front face of the rod previously described, this reading gives the length in feet of one-half the total length of the rod in any position of its extension (see X1, Fig. '7). In case the distance between the instrument and the point behind the obstacle is so short that no extension of the rod is needed, the rod is collapsed and the mirror from the upper end of the rod is slid to the upper end of the lower bar and' moved toward the mirror at the lower end of the lower bar until the proper interval between the mirrors is reached. 'Ihe reading is then taken against the outside edge of the movable mirror. With this reading taken, the string of a plumb bob is then placed across the corresponding reading on the left or uppermost edge of the rod. The plumb bob string thus actually locates the rnid-po-int of the rod between the mirrors. With the rod held horizontally and with the outside edges of the mirrors intersected by the lines of sight through the edges of the instrument aperture the plumb bob is dropped, its position on the ground indicating a point on the desired bearing.

In case an additional obstacle obscures one end of the rod when held horizontally in the positions indicated in Fig. 7, the rod may be held vertically at one side of the obstacle on line and the compass tilted with its face in a vertical plane for determining the proper interval between mirrors..

The rod may also be held at any angle necessary for clear vision provided the compass is tilted so that its sights are at an approximate degree angle to the rod. With the rst reading taken and the mid-point between mirrors determined, the rod with the plumb bob string in the indicated position is held horizontally behind the obstacle. It is then only necessary to bring one mirror into line with the corresponding edge of the instrument aperture. The plumb bob then indicates a point on the desired' bearing.

In case a transit is the instrument used the edges of the objective form the aperture, the manipulations of the rod being the same as already described.

Similarly, a bearing may be determined for a given line one end of which is invisible as A (Fig. '7). In such a case, after determining the proper interval between mirrors for the distance A-B (Fig. 7) the rod is held horizontally with a plumb bob marking the mid-point between mirrors. With the plumb bob held over the invisible point, the instrument may be brought to the desired bearing by observing one or both mirrors in proper position through the aperture.

My rod also serves as a leveling rod when the footgraduations on its left edge are used. Rapid, rough leveling can be accomplished by means of my rod and the clinometer of the standard U. S. Forest Service compass.

With a special combination of the topographic Abney level and standard U. S. Forest Service compass my rod can be used for rapid and accurate topographic and stadia surveys.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim for Letters Patent is:

l. A surveyors rod, in combination two bars slidably connected together by their sides, a plurality of scales on said bars, clamps slidably tted on said bars, resilient means to retain said clamps on said bars, and mirrors on said clamps, said mirrors being adapted to be set at different angles to said bars.

2. A surveyors rod, in combination two bars slidably connected together by their sides, a plurality of scales on said bars, clamps slidably fitted on said bars, springs in said clamps adapted to retain said clamps on said bars, thumb screws in said clamps adapted to tighten said clamps on said bars, and elongated mirrors pivotally mounted on said clamps and adapted to be turned on said pivots for diierent positions'.

3. A surveyors rod, in` combination two bars slidably connected together by their sides, a

plurality of scales on the sides of said bars, clamps slidably fitted on said bars, resilient means to retain said clamps in any positions of said bars, and mirrors on the front sides of said clamps, said clamps with said mirrors being adapted to be adjusted so as to hold said mirrors parallel to said bars when said rod is used in its horizontal position, and being further adapted to be inclined for reflecting the sunlight in a horizontal direction when said rod is used in the vertical position.

4. A light reecting attachment for a surveyors rod, in combination a clamp slidably fitted on said rod, resilient means` for retaining said clamp in any position on said rod, and a mirror on said clamp, said mirror with said clamp being adapted to be adjusted to assume different angles to said rod.

5. A surveyors rod, in combination two bars slidably connected together at their sides, a scale on one side of said rod with equal divisions consecutively numbered from .one end to the other, a second scale on the other side of said rod with divisions twice as large as divisions on said iirst scale, said large divisions being numbered from zero on the outer end of one bar to the middle number, and from the middle numberon the outer end of the second bar to the last number at the middle point, and reiiecting mirrors adjustably mounted on the ends of said bars.

6. A surveyors rod, in combination two bars slidably connected together at their sides, a scale on one side .of said rod with equal divisions consecutively numbered from one end of said rod to the other, a second scale on said rod with equal divisions twice as large as said rst divisions, said large divisions being numbered from zero at the zero point of said other scale to the middle number on one of said bars, and from the middle number at the level of the last number on the outer end of the other bar to the last number at the middle point of said rod opposite the inner edge of said iirst bar when said rod is fully extended, the readings `on said large scale opposite said edge of the first rod indicating the total length of said rod between the extreme points of the scale when said bars are partly moved together, the same number as read on the smaller scale indicating the exact middle point of. the rod. and mirrors adjustably mounted on the ends of said rod.

'7. A surveyors rod, in combination two bars slidably connected together by their sides, a scale on one side of said bars, a reflecting mirror at the zero point on said scale, a second mirror, a clamp supporting said second mirror and adapted to be resiliently supported at any point on said bars said mirror being adapted to reiiect the sunlight to an observer using an Abney level, said scale being calibrated in units corresponding to the units of distance between the point where said rod is being supported and a point from which said rod is being observed through an Abney level, auxiliary gralduatiohs marked opposite the 1 chain, 1.515 chain feet) and 2 chain graduations, said graduations of the auxiliary scales numbered corresponding to the readings on the topographic arc of the Abney level to obtain a horizontal distance on the slope.

SERGE N. KOULICHKOV. 

